A system and method for in-line treatment of one or more threads for use with thread consuming device

ABSTRACT

A system for in-line treatment of one or more threads for use with a thread consuming device is provided. The system includes a treatment unit having a plurality of nozzles being distributed in at least a first and a second dispensing zone, the dispensing zones being separated in a direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the at least one thread, said thread being in motion in use, each nozzle being configured to dispense one or more coating substances at least onto the at least one thread when activated, and a control unit being configured to control activation of each dispensing zone of nozzles independently. A method is further provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a U.S. National Stage application of andclaims priority to PCT/SE2019/050794, filed on Aug. 27, 2019, which is aPCT application of and claims priority to SE Application No. 1851097-4,filed on Sep. 15, 2018, the subject matter of both aforementionedapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to the technical field of thread consumingdevices. In particular, the present invention relates to a systemcomprising a treatment unit to be used in association with such threadconsuming device.

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested to provide thread consuming devices, such asembroidery machines or the like, with in-line apparatuses designed toprovide the thread with a certain treatment. Such in-line apparatusescould e.g. be used to colour the thread, whereby multiple colour nozzlescould replace the current use of multiple pre-coloured threads whenproducing multi-coloured patterns using embroidery machines. In priorart systems where threads of different colours are used, one thread,having a first specified colour, is used for some stitches while anotherthread, having a second specified colour, is used for other stitches.

In order to eliminate the obvious drawbacks of the requirement ofmultiple threads of different colours, the present applicant has filedseveral patent applications on the technique of in-line colouring ofthread, such as WO2016204687 and WO2016204686. The proposed solutionsprovide improvements in terms of colour quality and also reduces thecomplexity of the thread consuming device.

However, in order to further improve the quality and efficiency of thein-line colouring of threads it would be advantageous if the in-linecolouring apparatus could be able to handle more than one threadsimultaneously.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a solutionovercoming the disadvantages of prior art. More specifically, thepresent invention provides a solution where the system for in-linetreatment of a thread is configured to handle more than one threadsimultaneously by dividing the nozzles into different dispensing zonesthat can be controlled individually.

In a first aspect, a system for in-line treatment of one or more threadsfor use with a thread consuming device. The system comprises a treatmentunit having a plurality of nozzles being distributed in at least a firstand a second dispensing zone, the dispensing zones can be separated in adirection being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the atleast one thread, said thread being in motion in use, each nozzle beingconfigured to dispense one or more coating substances at least onto theat least one thread when activated, and a control unit being configuredto control activation of each dispensing zone of nozzles independently.

Some thread consuming devices needs to use a plurality of separatethreads simultaneously. A solution having separate systems for eachthread is not beneficial since it would be both costly and spaceconsuming. Hence, having a single system that is capable of treating aplurality of threads with coating substance simultaneously has severalbenefits. With the system described herein the plurality of threads canfor example be applied with different coating substances (such asdifferent colour) simultaneously.

The plurality of nozzles may be arranged in one or more nozzle arrays.In one embodiment, the plurality of nozzles arranged in one nozzle arrayand wherein the nozzle array is arranged at an angle in relation to thedirection of the at least one thread.

The plurality of nozzles may be arranged in at least two nozzle arrays.The at least two nozzle arrays may be parallel to each other.

The nozzle arrays may be arranged at an angle in relation to thedirection of the at least one thread.

In one embodiment, at least a part of the nozzles of the first nozzlearray are distributed in the first dispensing zone and at least a partof the nozzles of the second nozzle array are distributed in the seconddispensing zone.

In one embodiment, all of the nozzles of the first nozzle array aredistributed in the first dispensing zone and all of the nozzles of thesecond nozzle array are distributed in the second dispensing zone.

In one embodiment, the system is arranged for in-line treatment of atleast a first thread and a second thread, and wherein the control unitis configured to control activation of the nozzles of each dispensingzone independently such that the first thread can be treated by thefirst dispensing zone, while the second thread can be simultaneouslytreated by the second dispensing zone.

In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to control activationof each dispensing zone by transmitting trigger signals to the nozzlesbeing arranged in the specific dispensing zone.

The control unit may be configured to activate the nozzles of onedispensing zone individually.

The control unit may be configured to activate the nozzles of onedispensing zone individually with a predetermined offset from receivingthe trigger signal.

In one embodiment, the first thread and a second thread are differentfrom each other.

In one embodiment the nozzles are inkjet nozzles.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises a thread consumingdevice. The thread consuming device may be an embroidery machine, asewing machine, a knitting machine, a weaving machine, a tuftingmachine, a thread winding machine, and or any combination thereof.

In a second aspect, a method for in-line treatment of at least onethread is provided. The method comprises providing a treatment unithaving a plurality of nozzles being distributed in at least a first anda second dispensing zone, the dispensing zones being separated in adirection being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection of the at least one thread, said thread being in motion inuse, each nozzle being configured to dispense one or more coatingsubstances at least onto the at least one thread when activated, andproviding a control unit being configured to control activation of eachdispensing zone of nozzles independently.

Definitions

Thread consuming device is in this context any apparatus which in useconsumes thread. It may e.g. be an embroidery machine, weaving machine,sewing machine, knitting machine, weaving machine, a tufting machine, athread winding machine or any other thread consuming apparatus which maybenefit from a surface treatment or coating or any other processinvolving subjecting the thread to a substance, such as dying.

Treatment is in this context any process designed to cause a change ofthe properties of a thread. Such processes include, but are not limitedto, colouring, wetting, lubrication, cleaning, fixing, heating, curing,dying, etc.

Thread is in this context a flexible elongate member or substrate, beingthin in width and height direction, and having a longitudinal extensionbeing significantly greater than the longitudinal extension of any partsof the system described herein, as well as than its width and heightdimensions. Typically, a thread may consist of a plurality of pliesbeing bundled or twisted together. The term thread thus includes a yarn,wire, strand, filament, etc. made of various materials such as glassfibre, wool, cotton, synthetic materials such as polymers, metals,polyester, viscos, or e.g. a mixture of wool, cotton, polymer, or metalor any combination thereof.

Within this specification, all references to upstream and/or downstreamshould be interpreted as relative positions during normal operation ofthe thread consuming device, i.e. when the device is operating to treatan elongated substrate, such as a thread, continuously moving throughthe device in a normal operating direction. Hence, an upstream componentis arranged such that a specific part of the thread passes it before itpasses a downstream component.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described in the followingdescription of the present invention; reference being made to theappended drawings which illustrate non-limiting examples of how theinventive concept can be reduced into practice.

FIG. 1a is a schematic view of a system for in-line treatment of threadaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 1b is a perspective view of a system having a thread consumingdevice and a treatment unit according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a treatment unit for use with a systemaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a discharge device forming part of atreatment unit;

FIG. 4a is a schematic top view of a part of a discharge deviceaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 4b is a schematic top view of a part of a discharge deviceaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 5a is a schematic view of a part of a treatment unit according toan embodiment;

FIG. 5b is a schematic view of a part of a treatment unit according toan embodiment;

FIG. 5c is a schematic view of a part of a treatment unit according toan embodiment;

FIG. 5d is a schematic view of a part of a treatment unit according toan embodiment;

FIG. 5e is a schematic view of a part of a treatment unit according toan embodiment;

FIG. 5f is a schematic view of a part of a treatment unit according toan embodiment;

FIG. 6a is a schematic view of a system according to an embodiment, and

FIG. 6b is a schematic view of a system according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An idea of the present invention is to provide a system and method fordistributing a coating substance onto a thread in a controlled manner,for use in association with a thread consumption device. Starting inFIG. 1a a schematic view of system 10 for in-line treatment of thread isshown. The system 10 comprises a treatment unit 100 for dispensing oneor more coating substances onto at least one thread. The system 10further comprises at least one thread consuming device 15, which maye.g. be in the form of one or several embroidery machine(s), a weavingmachine(s), a sewing machine(s), knitting machine(s), a tuftingmachine(s), a thread winding machine(s) etc. The system thereby forms athread consuming unit, including the at least one thread consumingdevice 15 and the treatment unit 100. It should be noted that more thanone thread can be used in the thread consuming device(s).

It should be noted that several aspects of a system are described withinthis specification, and they do not require the inclusion of the threadconsuming device 15. As will be further understood from the following,for all embodiments the system for in-line treatment of thread requiresa treatment unit 100, to be used with a thread consuming device 15.

Now turning to FIG. 1b the thread consuming device 15 is exemplified asan embroidery machine, here illustrated as a single-head embroiderymachine, being equipped with a treatment unit 100. The embroiderymachine 15 comprises a moveable stage 2 b carrying the fabric to beembroidered. During operation the moveable stage 2 b is controlled torapidly change its position in the X and Y direction (i.e. in this casethe horizontal plane, but it could also be in the vertical plane).

The treatment unit 100 allows the embroidery machine 15 to operatewithout the provision of uniquely pre-coloured threads, as is requiredfor conventional embroidery machines. Instead, the treatment unit 100provides in-line colouring of a thread 20 in accordance withpredetermined colouring patterns, such that a coloured embroidery can beproduced. The treatment unit thus replaces individual thread reels as ispresent in prior art systems.

As is shown in FIG. 1b the only connection between the treatment unit100 and the embroidery machine 15 is the thread 20, as well aselectrical connections (not shown). The treatment unit 100 is thusprovided as a stand-alone unit having no mechanical connection with themoveable stage 2 b. In an optional embodiment, the stand-alone treatmentunit 100 is mounted to the thread consuming device 15 via a suspensionarrangement for reducing the transmission of vibrations to the treatmentunit 100.

The system 10 described herein is capable of treating one or morethreads 20 a-c with coating substances using only one treatment unit100. If plurality of threads are used in the system 10, differentcoating substance may be dispensed onto the different threads 20 a-c atthe same time. Additionally, or alternatively, the coating substance maybe dispensed in different patterns for the different threads 20 a-c.

The various components of the treatment unit 100 configured to treat oneor more threads are shown in FIG. 2. In the following the system will bedescribed for the use of two threads, however it should be understoodthat the system could be adapted for a single thread or more than twothreads.

The majority, or all, of the components described for the system 10 maybe arranged inside a housing.

Each thread 20 a-b is arranged to pass through a respective thread reel120 a-b. Immediately downstream the thread reels 120 a-b, thread feeders130 a-b are arranged—one thread feeder 130 a-b for each thread 20 a-b.The thread feeder 130 may be configured to pull the thread forwardthrough the treatment unit 100. The thread feeder 130 is not describedfurther herein, but for a more general understanding each thread feeder130 receives and forwards its respective thread 20 a-b. For this, thethread feeders 130 may be controlled by a control unit 190 describedfurther below. After the threads 10 a-b have passed its respectivethread feeder 130, each thread 20 a-b engages with a respective threadguiding device 140 a-b. Each thread guiding device 140 a-b, which maye.g. be in the form of one or more guiding rollers or other suitablemeans, is ensuring that its thread 20 a-b is aligned with one or moretreatment nozzles forming part of at least one discharge device 150.Both the threads 20 a-b then pass through the common discharge device150.

The discharge device 150 is configured to discharge treatment substance,such as a colouring substance, onto the thread 20 as it passes thedischarge device 150. For this the nozzles are arranged preferably inthe longitudinal direction of the thread 20 as will be further explainedin relation to FIGS. 3-5.

The discharge device 150, or parts of the discharge device 150 such asthe print head(s) 151 a-d (as shown for example in FIG. 3), may bemoveable by means of a drive unit (not shown). Having a drive unit willmake it possible to arrange the discharge device 150, or parts of thedischarge device 150, in different operating states in order to performdifferent tasks, such as for example a first state of dispensing acoating substance to a thread and a second state of performing acleaning session, or other maintenance or idling.

Downstream the discharge device 150 the threads 20 a-b are separatedonto a respective thread guiding device 160 a-b. The second threadguiding devices 160 a-b are cooperating with the respective first threadguiding devices 140 a-b such that the position of the respective threads20 a-b are correct during its travel along the discharge device 150. Thesecond thread guiding device 160 may e.g. be in the form of one or moreguiding rollers, although it may also be designed to induce a rotationof the thread 20 along its longitudinal axis.

The system 10 may further comprise one common, or two separate, or anynumber of thread speed sensor(s) (not shown) configured to measure thespeed of the threads 20 a-b passing through the system 10.

Moreover, one common, or two separate, light detection system(s) (notshown) may be arranged downstream the discharge device 150 along thetravel direction of the threads 20 a-b. The light detection system(s) isarranged to illuminate the threads 20 a-b in order to receive lightwhich is reflected from the threads 20 a-b when the threads 20 a-b areilluminated. The information gathered from the light detection signalmay for example be used to determine the position of the threads inrelation to the nozzles 152 a-f, the width of each thread and/orproperties of each thread. This information can in turn for example beused to detect nozzle(s) that are in need of maintenance, that theposition of the nozzle(s) needs to be altered and/or detect variationsin the coating substance. Additionally, or alternatively, the lightdetection system(s) may be used to determine different properties of thethreads that have been applied with one or several coating substances.

The threads 20 a-b are then fed forward to pass one or more fixationunits 170 which are provided in order to fixate the treatment substanceto the thread 20 a-b. The fixation unit may be common for both threads,or provided as two separate units having one for each thread 20 a-b. Thefixation unit 170 preferably comprises heating means, such as a hot airsupply or heated elements, or an UV light source such that the treatmentsubstance, e.g. a colouring substance, is cured or fixated onto thethread 20. As is shown in FIG. 2 the fixation unit 170 may either bearranged horizontally, vertically, or at an angle between horizontallyand vertically.

Before exiting the housing, the threads 20 a-b may pass a cleaning unit180, such as an ultrasonic bath, where unwanted particles are removedfrom the threads 20 a-b. The cleaning unit may be common for boththreads, or provided as two separate units having one for each thread 20a-b. As the treatment substance is fixated onto the threads 20 a-b, thecleaning unit 180 will leave the treatment substance unaffected.

The treatment unit 100 may further comprise a lubrication unit (notshown). The lubrication unit may be common for both threads or providedas two separate units having one for each thread 20 a-b. Additionalthread buffers and feeders (not shown) may also be included in thetreatment unit 100, arranged at various positions in the thread path.

The threads 20 a-b preferably exits the treatment unit 100 through anaperture or similar, whereby the threads 20 a-b are forwarded to anassociated thread consuming device, such as an embroidery machine 15 asis shown in FIGS. 1a -b.

A control unit 190 with associated electronics, such as powerelectronics, communication modules, memories, etc. is also provided. Thecontrol unit 190 is connected to the thread feeders 130 a-b, thedischarge device 150, and the fixation unit 170 for allowing control ofthe operation of these components. Further, the control unit 190 isconfigured to controlling operation of the entire treatment unit 100including the cleaning unit 180, the lubrication unit, a disruption ofthe threads 20 a-b, the thread speed at various position along thetreatment unit 100, the thread buffers, etc. The control unit 190 mayalso be configured to receive control signals from one or morecomponents of the treatment unit 100, e.g. control signals fortriggering specific control, or other information relating to e.g.thread consumption by the embroidery machine 15.

The control unit 190 may be implemented by any commercially availableCPU (“Central Processing Unit”), DSP (“digital signal processor”) or anyother electronic programmable logic device, or a combination of suchprocessors or other electronic programmable logic device. The controlunit 190 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardwarefunctionality, for example, by using executable computer programinstructions in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor that maybe stored on a computer readable storage medium (disk, memory etc.) tobe executed by such a processor. The storage medium is preferably inoperative communication with the control unit 190.

In one embodiment, a user interface is also provided, preferably via adisplay arranged at the front end of the housing. The display allows auser to interact with the control unit 190 and is thus connectedthereto, so that the control parameters of the thread feeder 130, thedischarge device 150, the fixation unit 170, etc. may be set dependingon process specifications. The display may also preferably be used foralerting the user of critical situations, whereby the display may beused for the control unit 190 to issue alarms or the like.

It should be noted that the components described above may notnecessarily be included in the stand-alone treatment unit 100, butinstead the components of the treatment unit 100 may be separated intoseveral units, Preferably, the stand-alone unit includes at least the atleast one discharge device 150. In one embodiment the components are notprovided as a stand-alone unit but are integrated with the threadconsuming device 15.

In FIG. 3 a discharge device 150 is shown, forming part of the treatmentunit 100 as described above. The direction of movement of the thread(s)20 a-b in use is indicated by the solid arrow in FIG. 3. As will soon bedescribed in more detail, the discharge device 150 comprises a pluralityof nozzles 152 a-f arranged at different longitudinal positions (forexample spaced by a distance dl) along the thread 20 which passes by thetreatment unit 100 during use.

Each nozzle 152 a-f is arranged to dispense a coating substance, such asink, onto the thread 20 when the nozzle is activated. The coatingsubstance is absorbed by the thread 20, e.g. at differentcircumferential positions of the thread 20 when the thread 20 twistsabout its longitudinal axis. The relative position of two adjacentlydispensed droplets of coating substance may be selected such that thedroplets will overlap.

The treatment unit 100 comprises one or more discharge devices 150. Eachdischarge device 150 is preferably formed as a series of ink-jet printheads 151 a-d, each print head 151 a-d having one or more nozzle arrays.Each nozzle array typically comprises hundreds or thousands of nozzles.For illustrative purpose only six nozzles 152 a-f are shown for oneprint head 151 a-d; it should however be realized that each nozzle arraymay be provided with hundreds or thousands of nozzles 152 each. As anexample, each print head 151 a-d may be associated with a single colour;in the shown example, the discharge device 150 has four print heads 151a-d, each print head 151 a-d being associated with a specific colouraccording to the CMYK standard. However, other colouring models may beused as well.

The exact configuration of the treatment unit 100 may vary. For example,the treatment unit 100 is provided with a single discharge device 150having a plurality of print heads 151 a-d. Each print head 151 a-d is inturn provided with a plurality of nozzles 152 a-f.

In another embodiment the treatment unit 100 is provided with severaldischarge devices 150, arranged either in series or in parallel. Eachdischarge device 150 is then provided with a plurality of print heads151 a-d. If serially arranged, the upstream discharge device 150 mayhave print heads 151 a-d being associated with one or more colours of aspecific colour standard, while the downstream discharge device 150 hasprint heads 151 a-d being associated with other colours of the samecolour standard. If arranged in parallel, each discharge device 150 mayhave print heads 151 a-d being associated with all colours of a specificcolour standard, but with different threads 20. For such embodiment, twoseparate threads 20 can be treated simultaneously and in parallel.Combinations of parallel/serial configurations are of course alsopossible.

In a yet further embodiment, the discharge device 150 is only having asingle print head 151 a-d; dynamic colouring of the thread 20 would thenrequire several discharge devices 150 of the treatment unit 100.

Each nozzle 152 a-f may dispense a coating substance having a colouraccording to the CMYK colour model, where the primary colours are Cyan,Magenta, Yellow, and Black. It may thus be possible to dispense a widevariety of colours onto the thread by activating nozzles 152 a-f suchthat the total colouring substance of a specific length of the thread 20will be a mix of the colouring substances dispensed by the nozzles 152a-f. As explained earlier, this is preferably achieved by having severalprint heads 151 a-d arranged in series, whereby the nozzles 152 a-f of aspecific print head 151 a-d are dedicated to a single colour.

In another embodiment, each nozzle 152 a-f dispenses a coating substancehaving a colour comprising a mix of two or more primary colours of theCMYK colour model.

The control unit 190 is configured to control the activation of thenozzles 152 a-f such as the coating substance is emitted onto the thread20 as it passes through the treatment unit 100, and especially pass thedischarge device 150. By such configuration very precise colouring ofthe thread 20 is possible e.g. in order to provide advanced embroiderypatterns, visually extremely sophisticated by means of the colouringprovided by the treatment unit 100.

For a colouring operation the control unit 190 receives one or moreinput signals specifying the desired colour and/or colouring effect. Thecolour input preferably includes information regarding the exact colour,as well as the longitudinal start and stop positions of the thread 20for that particular colour. The longitudinal start and stop positioncould be represented by specific time values if the thread speed isdetermined.

FIG. 4a-b illustrates a respective top view of a print head 151 a. Theprint head 151 a has a planar surface on which the nozzles 152 arearranged. As mentioned earlier, the total number of nozzles 152 of asingle print head can be up to several thousands, provided on a printhead 151 a in the size of a couple of centimeters. In the shown example,a far less number of nozzles 152 are shown. The nozzles 152 can bedistributed in one or more nozzle arrays 153 a-b. In FIG. 4a , thenozzles 152 are distributed in two parallel arrays 153 a-b. The arrays153 a-b are aligned with each other, such that nozzles 152 of one array153 a-b are arranged adjacent a nozzle 152 of the other array 153 a-b.

FIG. 4b shows a similar example, however there is a longitudinal offsetbetween the two arrays 153 a-b.

The system 10 described herein is capable of treating one or morethreads 20 a-c with coating substances using only one treatment unit100. If plurality of threads are used in the system 10, differentcoating substance may be dispensed onto the different threads 20 a-c atthe same time. Additionally, or alternatively, the coating substance maybe dispensed in different patterns for the different threads 20 a-c.

The dispensing coating substance onto a plurality of threads ispreferably achieved by arranging the nozzles of the discharge device 150into several dispensing zones 154 a-c that can be controlledindependently. Some exemplified embodiments will now be described withreference to FIGS. 5a-f . In FIGS. 5a-f , the print head 151 a isarranged to dispense coating substance onto at least two threads 20 a-band in FIG. 5d , a situation having three threads 20 a-c is shown.

It should be noted that the following also is applicable for a highernumber of threads such as four, five, etc. In a preferred embodiment,the threads 20 a-c are parallel with each other. Moreover, all threads20 a-c used in the system may be of the same thickness or be ofdifferent thickness. Additionally, all threads 20 a-c used in the systemmay be of the same type, or being of a different types having differentproperties.

FIG. 5a shows a print head 151 a having two nozzle arrays 153 a-b. Inthis embodiment, the nozzle arrays 153 a-b are arranged in parallel witheach other. The nozzles 152 a-f of the nozzle arrays 153 a-b arearranged in two dispensing zones 154 a-b. The dispensing zones 154 a-bare separated in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection of the threads 20 a-b. In this embodiment, the nozzles of thefirst nozzle array 153 a are distributed in the first dispensing zone154 a and the nozzles of the second nozzle array 153 b are distributedin the second dispensing zone 154 b. In the illustrative example, allnozzles 152 a-f of each nozzle array are part of the same dispensingzone 153 a-b. However, as is illustrated in FIGS. 5b-c , not all nozzles152 a-f of the same array 153 a-b must be of the same dispensing zone154 a-b. In this example, the first dispensing zone 154 a is configuredto dispense coating substance onto the first thread 20 a and the seconddispensing zone 154 b is configured to dispense coating substance ontothe second thread 20 b.

In FIG. 5a , the print head 151 a is arranged in the direction of thelength of the threads 20 a-b. The nozzle arrays 153 a-b are aligned withthe direction of the length of the threads 20 a-b.

It should be noted that the print head 151 a shown in FIG. 5a also couldbe defined as having ten nozzle arrays comprising two nozzles each. Withthis definition, the nozzle arrays are perpendicular with the length ofthe thread 20 a,b. This situation is illustrated in FIG. 5 f.

FIG. 5b shows a print head 151 a having one single nozzle array 153 a.The nozzles 152 a-f of the nozzle arrays 153 a-b are arranged in threedispensing zones 154 a-c. In this embodiment, the nozzles that arecovering, i.e. is able to dispense coating onto, the first thread 20 aare distributed in the first dispensing zone 154 a and the nozzles thatare covering the second thread 20 b are distributed in the seconddispensing zone 154 b. Here, an intermediate dispensing zone 154 c isarranged for nozzle(s) that are not covering any of the threads 20 a-b.

In FIG. 5b , the print head 151 a, and thus its nozzle array 153 a, isarranged such that it is tilted compared to the length of the threads 20a-b. The nozzle array 153 a is thus arranged at an angle in relation tothe length of the parallel threads 20 a-b. The angle is either larger orsmaller than 0 degrees. The nozzle array is inclined relative to thedirection of the thread in order to be able to simultaneously treat morethan one thread using a single nozzle array. The higher angle that isbetween the nozzle array and the threads, the more threads will bepossible to colour with one nozzle array. The trade-off with a higherangle is that fewer nozzles per nozzle array can be utilised to coloureach thread 20 a-b.

The length of the nozzle array may preferably be at least as long as thedistance it takes for the thread 20 to rotate one 180° revolution arounditself, and more preferably at least as long as the distance it takesfor the thread 20 to rotate a 360° revolution around itself. For this,means may be provided to induce a rotation of the thread as it passesthe treatment unit.

FIG. 5c illustrates a print head 151 a similar to that of FIG. 5a , withthe difference that the print head 151 a, and thus its parallel nozzlearrays 153 a-b, are arranged with an angle compared to the parallelthreads 20 a-b and that not all nozzles 152 a-f of the same array 153a-b are part of the same dispensing zones 154 a-b. Having both nozzlearrays inclined relative to the direction of the thread allows nozzlesof both the nozzle arrays to dispense coating onto both threads 20 a-b.The higher angle that is between the nozzle arrays and the threads, themore threads will be possible to colour with each nozzle array. Thetrade-off with a higher angle is that fewer nozzles per nozzle array canbe utilised to colour each thread 20 a-b.

FIG. 5d illustrates a print head 151 a similar to that of FIG. 5a , withthe difference that the print head comprises three parallel nozzlearrays 153 a-c and three dispensing zones 154 a-c. Moreover, in FIG. 5dthe print head 151 a is arranged to dispense coating substance onto atleast three parallel threads 20 a-c.

FIG. 5e illustrates a print head 151 a similar to that of FIG. 5a , withthe difference that the nozzles are distributed in six differentdispensing zones 154 a-f. Each nozzle array 153 a, 153 b comprisesdifferent sections of nozzles comprising different coating substance,such as different colour, as illustrated by the patterned filled nozzlesin FIG. 5e . Each section of nozzles having different coating substancesare seen as one dispensing zone 154 a-f. Each nozzle array 153 a, 153 bmay thus comprise different colours, with different colours for eachdispensing zone 154 a-f. Although FIG. 5e illustrates a print head 151comprising two identical nozzle arrays, it should be noted that thenozzle arrays does not need to be identical with each other.

FIG. 5f illustrates a print head 151 a similar to that of FIG. 5a havingtwo dispensing zones 154 a-b each covering one thread 20 a-b. Here, thethreads 20 a-b are shown having different thickness. Depending on thethickness, or width, of the thread 20 a-b different number of nozzleswill cover the thread 20 a-b. It should be noted that the size of thenozzles of FIGS. 3-5 are made large in relation to the thickness and/orwidth of the thread 20 a, 20 b only for illustrative purposes.

In addition to the components described with reference to FIG. 2, thesystem 10 may comprise one or more encoders (not shown). In oneembodiment the number of threads 20 a-b in the system 10 and the numberof encoders is the same, hence one encoder is provided for each thread20 a-b. The individual encoders are arranged to trigger dispensingsignals to the individual nozzles of a dispensing zone. In yet oneembodiment, one single encoder is provided for all threads 20 a-b. Theone encoder is thus configured to trigger dispensing signals to theindividual nozzles of a dispensing zone and/or to trigger to alldispensing zones.

The encoder may comprise or being in communication with a wheel such asa pulley or a guiding roller. The encoder may for example be a rotaryencoder or a shaft encoder.

The control unit 190 is configured to control activation anddeactivation of each dispensing zone 154 a-c of nozzles 152 a-findependently. For this, the control unit 190 may be configured totransmit trigger signals to the nozzles 152 a-f being arranged in aspecific dispensing zone 154 a-c. Additionally, or alternatively, if thenozzles arranged in one nozzle array 153 a-c are distributed into onesingle dispensing zone 154 a-c, the control unit 190 may be configuredto transmit trigger signals to the individual nozzle array 153 a-c inorder to activate or deactivate the nozzles of that array, and thus thatdispensing zone.

The control unit 190 may further be configured to control the activationand deactivation of the nozzles 152 a-f individually in each dispensingzone 154 a-b by transmitting trigger signals to the nozzles 152 a-fbeing arranged in the specific dispensing zone 154 a-c.

The control unit 190 may further be configured to activate the nozzlesof one dispensing zone 154 a-c individually using a predetermined offsetfrom receiving the trigger signal. The offset may for example be aspecific time, length and or a combination of both.

In one embodiment, the first thread 20 a-b is arranged with a triggerfor activation of the nozzles 152 a-f being distributed in the firstdispensing zone 154 a and the second thread 20 b is arranged with atrigger for activation of the nozzles 152 a-f being distributed in thesecond dispensing zone 154 b.

Each thread 20 a-b may have its own trigger for activation of thenozzles of its dispensing zone, i.e. the nozzles that are arranged in adispensing zone covering the thread 20 a-b. In one embodiment, alldispensing zones are arranged with a common trigger.

The control unit 190 may further be configured to alter the size of thedispensing zones 154 a-c. Moreover, the control unit 190 may beconfigured to alter which nozzles that are to be distributed in thedispensing zones 154 a-c. These alternations may be based on for examplethe thickness of the threads, the density of the threads, the number ofthreads to be treated, the properties of the coating substance,calibration results and/or based on the number of active nozzles.

The control unit 190 may further be configured to alter the angle of theprint head(s) 151 a, or its nozzle arrays 153 a-c, in relation to thetreads 20 a-c to be treated. The control unit 190 may be configured toalter the angle based on the thickness of the threads, the density ofthe threads, the number of threads to be treated, the properties of thecoating substance and/or based on the number of active nozzles.

In the above, reference is made to one or more threads 20 a-c. In oneembodiment, all threads arranged through the system 10 are in need ofin-line treatment. In yet one embodiment, when several threads are used,it is sufficient if one of the threads are in need of in-line treatment(such as a thread that is not pre-coloured). The system 10 is thusconfigured to handle both uniquely pre-threated threads and threads thatare in need of in-line treatment at the same time. For example, anembroidery machine could combine an in-line treated thread with apre-threated thread to create a specific pattern on a substrate. Such apre-treated thread could for example be a metallic, thick, thin,neon-coloured thread.

The control unit 190 may thus be configured to determine if the threadshall be treated or not when passing through the discharge device 150.However, it should be noted that not all threads need to pass though thetreatment unit 100. This is for example the case when a thread does notneed to be treated with a coating substance.

Although the present invention has been mainly described with referenceto a system comprising one treatment unit 100 and one thread consumingdevice 15, it should be understood by a person skilled in the art thatthe inventive features could be applied to other systems as well. FIGS.6a-b illustrates two examples of such alternative systems.

In FIG. 6a , the system 10 comprises a first and a second treatment unit100 a, 100 b as well as a first and a second thread consuming device 15a-b. Each treatment unit 100 a, 100 b is controlling and performing theoperations on each thread consuming device 15 a-b. It should be notedthat the first and second treatment unit 100 a, although being separatedmay share one or more components. In one embodiment, the control unit190 is arranged as a separate unit from the first and second treatmentunit 100 a, 100 b and one control unit 190 is thus configured to controlthe operation of both treatment units 100 a, 100 b and correspondinglythe operation of both thread consuming devices 15 a-b.

In FIG. 6b , the system 10 comprises one treatment unit 100 a and afirst and a second thread consuming device 15 a-b. In this embodiment,one treatment unit 100 a is configured to control and perform theoperation of the two thread consuming devices 15 a-b.

It should be noted that although only two treatment units and two threadconsuming devices are shown in FIG. 6a , and only one treatment unit andtwo thread consuming devices are shown in FIG. 6b , it should beunderstood that any reasonable number of treatment units and/or threadconsuming devices could be present in the system 10.

Although the present invention has been described above with referenceto specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to thespecific form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only bythe accompanying claims.

In the claims, the term “comprises/comprising” does not exclude thepresence of other elements or steps. Additionally, although individualfeatures may be included in different claims, these may possiblyadvantageously be combined, and the inclusion in different claims doesnot imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/oradvantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude aplurality. The terms “a”, “an”, “first”, “second” etc do not preclude aplurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as aclarifying example and shall not be construed as limiting the scope ofthe claims in any way.

1-17. (canceled)
 18. A system for in-line treatment of one or morethreads for use with a thread consuming device, comprising: a treatmentunit having a plurality of nozzles being distributed in at least a firstand a second dispensing zone, the dispensing zones being separated in adirection being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection of the at least one thread, said thread being in motion inuse, each nozzle being configured to dispense one or more coatingsubstances at least onto the at least one thread when activated; and acontrol unit being configured to control activation of each dispensingzone of nozzles independently.
 19. The system according to claim 18,wherein the plurality of nozzles are arranged in one or more nozzlearrays.
 20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the plurality ofnozzles are arranged in one nozzle array and wherein the nozzle array isarranged at an angle in relation to the direction of the at least onethread.
 21. The system according to claim 19, wherein the plurality ofnozzles are arranged in at least two nozzle arrays.
 22. The systemaccording to claim 21, wherein the at least two nozzle arrays areparallel to each other.
 23. The system according to claim 19, whereinthe nozzle arrays are arranged at an angle in relation to the directionof the at least one thread.
 24. The system according to claim 21,wherein at least a part of the nozzles of the first nozzle array aredistributed in the first dispensing zone and at least a part of thenozzles of the second nozzle array are distributed in the seconddispensing zone.
 25. The system according to claim 24, wherein all ofthe nozzles of the first nozzle array are distributed in the firstdispensing zone and all of the nozzles of the second nozzle array aredistributed in the second dispensing zone.
 26. The system according toclaim 18, wherein the system is arranged for in-line treatment of atleast a first thread and a second thread, and wherein the control unitis configured to control activation of the nozzles of each dispensingzone independently such that the first thread can be treated by thefirst dispensing zone, while the second thread can be simultaneouslytreated by the second dispensing zone.
 27. The system according to claim26, wherein control unit is configured to control activation of eachdispensing zone by transmitting trigger signals to the nozzles beingarranged in the specific dispensing zone.
 28. The system according toclaim 27, wherein the control unit is further configured to activate thenozzles of one dispensing zone individually.
 29. The system according toclaim 28, wherein the control unit is further configured to activate thenozzles of one dispensing zone individually with a predetermined offsetfrom receiving the trigger signal.
 30. The system according to claim 26,wherein the first thread and a second thread are different from eachother.
 31. The system according to claim 18, wherein the nozzles areinkjet nozzles.
 32. The system according to claim 18, further comprisinga thread consuming device.
 33. The system according to claim 32, whereinthe thread consuming device is an embroidery machine, a sewing machine,a knitting machine, a weaving machine, a tufting machine, a threadwinding machine, and or any combination thereof.
 34. A method forin-line treatment of at least one thread, comprising: providing atreatment unit having a plurality of nozzles being distributed in atleast a first and a second dispensing zone, the dispensing zones beingseparated in a direction being perpendicular to the longitudinaldirection of the at least one thread, said thread being in motion inuse, each nozzle being configured to dispense one or more coatingsubstances at least onto the at least one thread when activated; andproviding a control unit being configured to control activation of eachdispensing zone of nozzles independently.